“Therapeutic exercise is amazing to target certain areas of weakness. This is similar to the way people may work certain muscle groups at the gym,” explains Knap. “Aquatic therapy allows us to support the weight of a weak, healing, or disabled patient. The water helps them exercise longer and with less concussion than they would be able to otherwise.”

Therapeutic laser is an innovative treatment option in veterinary medicine. The laser treats inflammation without medications and accelerates healing with the use of light waves.

Physical therapy is commonly performed on pets that have recently had surgery. According to Knap, nearly all orthopedic surgery patients at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital receive some level of physical rehabilitation within 24 hours of their surgery. This therapy allows them to start the process of healing as soon as possible after the procedure.

Physical therapy comes with many benefits to a pet.

“Studies have shown that animals that undergo some form of physical therapy have a more complete recovery, decreased inflammation, better pain control, and therefore an improved quality of life,” says Knap.

Knap explains that the goal of physical therapy depends on the specific situation, but that the therapist aspires to support each patient to achieve the absolute best outcome at every stage of the recovery process.

“For dogs that have chronic problems, such as arthritis, we work to keep them as strong and active as possible to maintain an excellent quality of life for as long as possible,” she says.

Like physical therapy for people, many of the exercises developed for animal patients can be performed at home. However, Knap cautions that owners should receive professional instruction before attempting therapy with their pet.

“The treatments chosen and the therapy protocol should be developed by a veterinary professional,” she says.

For more information on physical rehabilitation in pets, speak with your veterinarian.